HOW WAS YOUR DAY? – Question Cards For Kids

It’s always good to know what has happened at school, but often I can get a yes, no, or fine if I ask the wrong questions.

I want to find out about their day, the fun they have had, all the learning that has happened, and the struggles, the challenges that go with each day. And so… I once asked HOW WAS YOUR DAY? and got a mixed response.

So a while ago I made a heap of question cards that have turned our afternoon tea time into a playful game, and I wanted to share the fun. How often do your kids just say yes, no, fine or OK when you ask about their day after school? Try out our question cards and let me know what you think?

The type of questions can have a big effect on conversation. If I ask a question that can give a one-word /quick answer, then after a tiring day at school, that is probably what I will get.

Sometimes getting kids to talk after a busy day at school can be tough – actually downright impossible! As kids get older, they are more likely to feel embarrassed, nervous, and even secretive, all normal feelings, yet it is good to talk and share the day together. So playful questions and statements over afternoon tea can be a way to relax into the house and a time to breed connection.

Try asking open-ended questions.

Open-ended questions have more than one answer, there is no right answer. Open-ended questions involve kids in the conversation and this grows cooperation and a sense of belonging. Questions like these will also encourage your kids to,

• Think beyond the obvious

• Develop their creative thinking

• Develop language skills

• Increase their understanding of the world around them

• Challenge their thinking

• Foster critical thinking

• Make predictions

so don’t be surprised if they need some thinking time and don’t answer immediately.

Try starting your questions with –

• Tell me about…

• I am wondering…What do you think…

• How do you know…

• What would…

• What could you do to…

In this fast-paced world, we are all guilty of the uh-huh response or a nod. Afternoon tea is normally a time to chat in our home — of course, the favourite time to talk is normally 8 pm when lights should go out!

Try following up with –

• Oh, why…

• Tell me more…

• How do you know that…

• Thanks for sharing…

Closed questions can have a place. Combining questions can expand a conversation, support your child with their language skills, and help to develop deeper relationships.

Grab 2 packs of printable open-ended questions cards for after school chatting here.